Physical Vs. Behavioral Traits
What's the Difference Between a Physical and Behavioral Trait?
Word of the Week
Trait
A trait is a characteristic that is used to differentiate one organism from another. Traits can be physical or behavioral!
A leopard has spots; this is a physical trait. A leopard is nocturnal (active at nighttime); this is a behavioral trait.
Species Spotlight
Red Kangaroo
Osphranter rufus
Red kangaroos are some of the most well-known animals in Australia. They have incredible physical and behavioral traits that help them to survive in the harsh, dry environment where they live. Red kangaroos are the largest marsupials in the world! Males are almost twice as large as females, weighing up to 200-lbs and standing 5-ft tall. They are called "red" kangaroos because of the orange-red color of a male's fur. Red kangaroos have long, powerful tails and strong legs that help them hop around deserts and grasslands.
Like other kangaroos, red kangaroos move around by jumping. They are incredibly quick and can jump more than 20-ft in a single hop. Their long tail helps them balance and is so strong it can support their entire body weight. Males are known to balance on their tails and kick with their legs when competing with other males for a mate or food. Red kangaroos are herbivores and feed mostly on grasses and leaves. Aren't these kangaroo traits amazing?!
Conservation Corner
The Exotic Pet Trade
There is no denying that some animals are just adorable. From tiny monkeys to talkative birds to colorful lizards, some animals have captured the hearts of many because of their incredible traits. While many of us enjoy seeing photos of these animals or checking them out at our local zoos, some take it one step further.
The exotic animal trade has been a problem for many beautiful and unique animals for hundreds of years. Many species of exotic animals are bred sustainably in captivity, while others are unfortunately taken from their wild homes. Exotic animals, like squirrel monkeys, parrots, and geckos, are frequently trapped in the wild and shipped across the world in tiny containers to their new owners. The wild populations of these species are shrinking and many species sold as exotic pets are at risk of going extinct. We can support exotic animals in the wild by not buying exotic animals, getting animals from certified breeders, and visiting our local AZA zoos and aquariums to support conservation.
BRAIN BLAST
Pretend you are looking to buy a parrot. Where in your community could you get one? Are you able to figure out exactly where that bird came from? If not, how might this cause problems for the species? Discuss!
Physical or Behavioral?
Identify if each trait below is physical or behavior by dragging them to the appropriate box.
Traits Challenge
Select one of the animals below and explore their amazing traits! For the animal of your choice, identify 4 physical traits and 4 behavioral traits!
Glossary
Acquired Trait
A characteristic that is developed in an organism's lifetime.
Behavioral Trait
A characteristic that is something an animal does rather than something they have.
Inherited Trait
A characteristic that is passed from parent to offspring.
Instinct
An inherited behavioral trait (a behavior that innate rather than learned).
Marsupial
A group of mammals characterized by raising their offspring in a pouch on their abdomen.
Physical Trait
A characteristic that visible or measurable.
Predator
An animal that hunts other animals for food.
Prey
An animal that is hunted or eaten by another animal.
Trait
A characteristic that makes an organism unique.
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